love notes.

Amy from Literacy and Laughter is hosting a linky party to showcase all of the things she loves this month.  Being that it's President's Day and I have the house to myself {thank you George & Abe} I figured it was a great day to be reflective.  If you're lucky enough to be off as well, enjoy some easy reading, link up your own little lovies & be sure to take some time for yourself today doing whatever makes you feel relaxed & rejuvenated...even if that's sitting in front of the computer screen...and even if it's already something you do every day.  ;)

Name: Kristin
Grade you teach:  kindergarten
State:  NC...a midwesterner turned southerner and loving it!
Birthday: July 26th
Favorite colors: pink
Lucky number: 44
Favorite subject to teach: literacy, specifically guided reading & small group time
Go-to snack: cheeze-its.  yogurt.  chips & salsa.
TV show: The Cosby Show.  New Girl.  Cougar Town.  Friends...
Last movie you watched: 5 Year Engagement.
Music you're loving right now: Home by Philip Phillips.  I still love it.
Always shopping at: Target.  Teachers Pay Teachers.
Word of the day: balance.  Taking time for myself but also doing some neglected housework.  ;)

A blog I'm loving right now: Sarah's 1st Grade Snippets
You have to check out her {free} guided reading & math snapshots.  So great for parent-school communication.  I love them and am thrilled she continues to make new ones!

My February pin board:

A product I adore: CoverGirl lash bast fusion mascara.
I am obsessed with glam eyelashes.  If I could get away with it I would wear fakes every day.  :)  I've tried a zillion different kinds of mascara and even stuck with a few expensive name brands for a little while {DiorShow} but I always come back to this one.  It's cheap, it's good & it layers well if you want to wear a few coats.

Mascara tip: when you think your tube is almost out, add a few drops of saline solution or contact lens cleaner to get a few more wears out of it.

Favorite hobbies/free time activities:
Blogging & Pinterest are really my hobbies.  I love to shop but don't really find myself with the time or extra money to do that as much as I'd like so I read InStyle magazine instead.  ;)  I also love the beach and being in the sun so when the weather is warm my free time will be spent at my parents' pool!

Favorite vacation destination:
Again, anywhere with a beach.  :)  We went on a catamaran tour in Saint Maarten last year and it was one of my most favorite vacation memories so far.

Best advice I've been given:
Finding the balance between confidence & humility has been life's greatest lesson.  Of course I'm still working on it but it's let the real me shine without dulling the sparkle of others.

Plus a few from my Words to Live By pin board that are too good to pass up:

Most rewarding part of teaching:
Hearing my kids use kind words & treat other with love.  I know that's not technically a score on the report card but molding such young, impressionable minds into good people is the heart of being a teacher for me.  Knowing how to treat others is what will really make them successful in life.

What I'm known for:  shoes. clearly. maybe glitter is a close 2nd.

Random fact #1:  I cry at everything.
Just about everything has the potential to make me tear up.  They can be tears of happiness, sadness or if I'm just moved by something...which is easy to do.  If it has to do with kids, God or an inspiring story, just pass me the kleenex.

{ok, ok...even if it's not something that's intended to evoke emotion, it'll probably make me cry anyway!}

Random fact #2:  I am a child.
I really think this is why I love teaching kindergarten so much.  Exhibit A: I am currently watching The Muppet Movie on Netflix while I type this.  I laugh at kid jokes.  I thoroughly enjoy kid movies.  I am dying to go to Disney World again.  I am perfectly happy to play in the sand at the beach, color pictures while I wait for my dinner at a restaurant or make a fool of myself in public.  Any chance to dress up is a good day in my book!

The loves of my life:
this guy.  who's not as little as he used to be.

my wonderful husband.

the best family I could hope for.

my best friends.

this little nugget, yet to be named.

Happy love month!  Head on over to Amy's to share your own lovies!  Or at least give them a call to let them know you appreciate them.  ;)